23 May 2012

James and Wade on fire as Heat scorch Pacers

4:37 pm on 23 May 2012

With LeBron James and Dwyane Wade on fire, the Miami Heat pounded the Indiana Pacers 115-83 to take a 3-2 lead in their NBA Eastern Conference playoff semi-final.

James had 30 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists while Wade put up 28 points as Miami took command of the best of seven series with the club's third-biggest winning margin in a post-season game.

Miami led 49-40 at half-time, ending the half with two emphatic baskets from James - a sign of things to come in a one-sided second half.

The league's Most Valuable Player James, whose 40 points in Monday's win restored Miami's home advantage, was able to take some rest at the start and end of the fourth quarter.

The Heat can secure their place in the final against the Boston Celtics or the Philadelphia 76ers with a win in Game six in Indianapolis on Friday.